ABOUT US

Glimmer was founded in 2000 by Donna and Philip Berber with the vision to end poverty and uplift communities in rural Ethiopia. From 2000 to 2024, Glimmer grew tremendously—completing more than 10,000 projects and impacting the lives of more than 5 million people in rural Ethiopia. Glimmer’s investments in Ethiopia have catalyzed economic growth, empowerment, and community resilience for millions.

In 2024, Glimmer’s founders decided to shift from an international NGO model to direct grantmaking. This evolution honors the Berbers’ commitment to making their giving and impact as local as possible, while continuing to build upon their legacy by supporting the most vulnerable communities in Ethiopia.

Under Glimmer’s new approach, Glimmer is investing in local initiatives through grants funded from the family’s endowment with a focus on women and girls, and critical humanitarian needs. This is a return to our roots—Glimmer was born out of a desire to relieve some of the pain and suffering on the planet, inspired by the famine in Ethiopia in the 1980s. Today, as the country continues to endure the ongoing impacts of war and drought, our new direction allows more direct funding focused on Tigray. Read the founders’ letter to learn more about this transition.